Famous Irish sights like the Cliffs of Moher and the Blarney Stone are worth your time.
But there's nothing quite like discovering a remote, hideaway part of Ireland.
Hidden gems are places that are located away from the crowds; they truly feel like yours.
Read on to discover some of the most incredible — but secret — hidden destinations in Ireland.
🤯 Rossbeigh on The Ring of Kerry
The famous Ring of Kerry is a busy place.
Large tour buses.
Lots of tacky, plastic merchandise for sale.
Rossbeigh (pronounced ross-bay) is located right on the Ring of Kerry. Despite this, it sees very few tourists.
Apart from the odd mountain biker or passing eagle, in fact, you're unlikely to meet a single soul here.
That's because, for most vehicles, access to this stunning viewpoint is pretty much impossible.
Luckily, our VagaTron 4x4 tour vehicles are ready for anything.
Rossbeigh is the perfect spot for Vagabond offroading.
When we reach the top, the views are jaw-dropping.
You'll gaze down on the expanse of Dingle Bay below, framed by the Dingle Peninsula and golden Inch Beach in the distance.
Rossbeigh is truly a hidden gem.
Visit Rossbeigh on our 8 Day Vagabond Wild Irish Rover Tour
🏞️ Annascaul on the Dingle Peninsula
Annascaul is a glaciated valley with spectacular views of the Dingle peninsula.
Even better, you won't find this particular spot listed in guide books.
As you hike up the valley, you are treated an simply jaw-dropping amazing vista.
Imagine the postcard "40 shades of green" Ireland, but sprung to life...
Annascaul lake lies far beneath. Rugged mountain sheep roam freely. A stream threads through the valley. A babbling waterfall is perfect to sit by and take it all in.
Refresh yourself afterwards with an ice cold pint in the nearby South Pole Inn.
This characterful pub was once owned and run by Edwardian Antarctic explorer, Tom Crean.
Hike Annascaul on our 7 Day Vagabond World Tour of Ireland
📸 Bray Head on Valentia Island
Perfect for a short but rewarding hike, Bray Head on a clear day boasts pristine 360° views.
You'll enjoy a vista that includes the Blasket Islands, the Skellig Islands and the Dingle Peninsula.
Along the way you'll pass the Valentia Island tower. Built in 1815 as a lookout for Napoleonic invaders, the tower was re-purposed during the Second World War.
Look out for the word EIRE (an archaic way to refer to Ireland) spelled out in stones on the ground nearby. This sign warned any stray Second World War aircraft that they were passing over a neutral country.
Hike Bray Head on our 8 Day Vagabond Wild Irish Rover Tour
🌄 Doolough Valley in Mayo
Nestled between mighty Mweelrea mountain and the striking Sheeffry Hills in Mayo is the Doolough Pass.
Doolough is one of Ireland's most beautiful hidden gem driving routes.
The steep mountains and wide lakes evoke a desolate beauty.
The history of the area is tragic. During the Great Famine, many people perished here of starvation during a particularly harsh winter.
Having suffered their own Trail of Tears, the Native American Choctaw tribe of Oklahoma raised funds for Doolough locals.
This act of compassion was movingly commemorated in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, when Irish charitable donations flooded into an appeal from Native Americans.
Explore Doolough Valley on our 12 Day Vagabond Giant Irish Adventure Tour
🌊 Slieve League Cliffs in Donegal
At 609m (1,998 feet) high, the Slieve League sea cliffs are almost three times the height of the Cliffs of Moher.
You're unlikely to see many day tours at Slieve League, though.
No freeways come close and the nearest major airport is hours away by car.
Even from the 'base' car park of Slieve League, you are hundreds of feet above the Atlantic Ocean with outstanding views.
Feeling energetic?
Hike to the summit of Slieve League for panoramic views across Donegal Bay to the Sligo Mountains.
Believe it or not, Slieve League is actually part of the Appalachians!
Geologically speaking, of course (ahem).
The two mountain ranges now stand on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean but, millions of years ago, were once close together. They are formed of identical rock types.
If you're hungry for more, Donegal promises hidden hotspots a-plenty. Explore the heritage village of Ardara, Mahera beach and sea caves, and the mountainous Granny Pass.
Climb up Slieve League on our 7 Day Vagabond Magnetic North Adventure Tour
🛡️ Grianán of Aileach on the Inishowen Peninsula
Our island's northwestern corner is the essence of Ireland's hidden gems.
Its majestic mountains and lonesome moorlands are less-visited by tourists than anywhere else in Ireland.
At the very northern tip of the island sits Inishowen.
One our favourite hidden monuments here is the stone fort at Grianán of Aileach.
What began in the 5th century BC as a pagan temple was later adopted by Christians as a sacred and strategic site.
After a short hike to reach the fort, you'll be able to actually climb the ancient walls.
From the top, soak up panoramic views of Inishowen, the Atlantic Ocean, Donegal and neighbouring Derry.
Visit Grianán of Aileach on our 7 Day Vagabond Magnetic North Adventure Tour
⛰️ Comeragh Mountains in Waterford
🤫 Ssssh... The Comeraghs are perhaps Ireland's best kept secret.
This glaciated mountain range in Waterford offers beautiful vistas and challenging hikes.
But nobody else seems to know!
Don't miss Mahon Falls; an 80 metre (262 feet) high waterfall.
Mahon Falls is especially impressive after heavy rain; the hike there is easy.
Believe in magic? The Comeragh mountains is also home to a mythical magic road. This is a road where vehicles are known to roll uphill.
Some say it's the local fairies at play. More than likely, the explanation is an optical illusion.
Either way, the magic road has been known to catch out many an unknowing visitor.
Feel the magic of the Comeraghs on our 6 Day Driftwood Ancient Ireland Tour
✨ Uragh Stone Circle on the Beara Peninsula
Jaw-dropping beauty. Sweeping coastal views. Patchwork green fields.
The rugged Beara Peninsula encompasses everything you associate with the hidden gems of Ireland.
At its heart sits Uragh Stone Circle.
Sacrifices? Tomb? The original purpose of this ancient monument is shrouded in mystery.
What is clear is why the erectors of Uragh Stone Circle chose this location.
The misty lakeshore and surrounding Gleninchaquin valley were carved out by glaciers thousands of years ago. A waterfall tumbles in the distance. Mountains rise up to meet the clouds.
Uragh genuinely feels magical.
🌲 Gougane Barra in West Cork
Peaceful. Tranquil. Mystical.
These are just a few of the superlatives visited on Gougane Barra by our guests when they visit.
This wonderful valley is the source of the River Lee. It's also home to a stunning chapel on a placid lake.
Centuries ago, early saint Finbarr chose this isolated horseshoe vale of forest and hills for his first church.
When you visit, you'll understand why!
Feel the tranquility of Gougane Barra on our 8 Day Vagabond Wild Irish Rover Tour
Do You Want To Keep Exploring Hidden Gems?
Check out our small-group tours of Ireland.
Reach out to our team via enquiries@vagabond.ie
